Microneedling
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.
It’s also used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sun spots.
You may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if you’re in good health and have certain skin concerns that haven’t responded to home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures, such as peels. This may also be a final step before considering cosmetic surgery for anti-aging and other concerns. For those looking to improve the look of scars, boost collagen, or encourage hair growth, microneedling can offer a minimally invasive solution.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling may help address wrinkles, acne, scarring, and stretch marks. Microneedling also increases the production of collagen and other healing factors by causing trauma to the skin.The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. Collagen is an essential protein that helps keep the skin looking youthful, with a firm, smooth, and stretchy texture. Aging causes the decline of collagen in the skin, contributing to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Skin can also lose collagen due to injuries, such as acne scarring, stretch marks, or other scars.
Targeted Areas For Microneedling
Microneedling is most often used on your face to target:
- Acne Scars
- Age Spots (also called “Sun Spots”)
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Large Pores
- Other Types of Scars
- Reduced Skin Elasticity
- Uneven Skin Tone
In addition to facial concerns, microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other areas of the body.
Will It Help With Hair Growth?
Microneedling stimulates the dormant hair follicles, which equals new hair growth. In a recent study, 100 test subjects were divided into two groups: One set was treated with minoxidil lotion and the other received minoxidil lotion plus microneedling. After 12 weeks, 82 percent of the microneedling group reported 50 percent improvement versus 4.5 percent of the minoxidil lotion-only group. Microneedling first gained its reputation as a scar treatment during the 1990s. Since then, it’s been studied as a potential alternative for thinning hair and hereditary hair loss.
Aside from collagen production in the skin, it’s thought that microneedling can also help induce stem cells in the scalp that lead to hair growth.
Microneedling may also promote the absorption of hair growth products, such as minoxidil (Rogaine). Another study explored the potential benefits of microneedling when used with corticosteroids to reduce hair follicle inflammation from alopecia areata
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days. Done in the hands of a professional dermatologist, there should be zero to minimal pain, side effects, or down time from microneedling treatments, though some may experience minor skin irritation immediately after.
What To Expect After Microneedling
Microneedling isn’t invasive like plastic surgery, so the recovery time is minimal. Most people require very little downtime, if any at all.You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days following the procedure. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.You can go back to work or school after the procedure if you’re comfortable. Some people apply camouflaging makeup during the first few days as the redness dissipates.Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is a must.
After microneedling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue.You should see results within a couple of weeks.
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